Residential Property Suffering from Cracking and Outward Movement

ASRS were contacted by a residential client requiring a specification to repair the defective masonry throughout their property. We specified the installation of the Helifix system to restore the structural integrity of the masonry where cracking, bowing and delamination had occurred. The property was also suffering from the poorly constructed masonry.

We recommended the Helibeam system to be installed laterally to distribute the structural loads. Additionally, we specified the installation of Helifix Resi-Ties and HD Bow Ties to reconnect the external masonry to the internal masonry, first floor joists, ceiling joists and the new structural partition wall. Our specification is designed to complete the structural diaphragm of the affected areas of the superstructure, thus offering substantial resistance to further cracking and outward movement.

EXTERNAL REPAIRS

We began the Helifix repairs to the right gable elevation. We Installed 11 No. twin bands of Helibar, positioned horizontally, 6 No. returned to front and rear elevations, 2 No. returned to front elevation and drilled back 1000mm to rear elevation and 1 No. single band of Helibar installed horizontally across existing crack.

Alongside the Helibeam work we installed Helifix Resi ties to the full elevation, positioned at 900mm centres horizontally and 450mm vertically with additional ties at 300mm vertical centres within 225mm of openings.

Following this we installed Helifix HD Bow ties through the external masonry, 10 No. into the first floor joists, 10 No. into the first floor ceiling joists and 5 No. into the new structural partition wall.

In conjunction with the HD Bow ties, we installed 5 No. Helifix Cem Ties to make a connection between the external masonry gable elevation and the internal masonry front elevation.

We installed 6 No. twin bands of Helibar, to the rear elevation, positioned horizontally and returned to the gable elevation. Additionally we installed 5 No. single bands of Helibar horizontally across existing crack with 3 No. drilled back 500mm. We also installed Helifix Resi ties to the full elevation.

We installed 4 No. twin bands of Helibar, to the left gable elevation, positioned horizontally and returned to rear elevation. Following this we installed 1 No. single band of Helibar horizontally across the existing crack. Then we installed 10 No. Helifix HD Bow ties through the external masonry into first floor ceiling joists. In addition to this we installed Helifix Resi ties to the full elevation

To complete the external repairs to the property, we installed 6 No. twin bands of Helibar, to the front elevation, positioned horizontally and returned to the gable elevation. Finally, we installed 12 No. Helifix HD Bow ties through the external masonry, 4 No. into the first floor joists and 8 No. into the new structural partition wall.

INTERNAL REPAIRS

We began the internal repairs in the bathroom. We installed 8 No. single bands horizontally across the existing cracks and 8 No. single bands positioned vertically.

The property required internal Helibeam repairs to the four bedrooms. Throughout the four bedrooms we installed 25 No. single bands of Helibar horizontally across the existing cracks, with 30 No. single bands, positioned vertically.

We completed the internal Helifix repairs in the landing, installing 6 No. single bands of Helibar horizontally across existing crack in the front wall, with 4 No. single bands positioned vertically.

COMPLETION

Once the Helifix repairs were complete we raked out the existing cracks and injected them with non-shrink thixotropic cementitious grout. We made good all external areas of mortar disturbed by our installation and matched the mortar colour to as near as practicable.

We completed within time and budget, to the clients satisfaction and provided a 10 year Helifix indemnified guarantee.

3 Comments

Michael Bowden

I have been looking at purchasing a property which has cracking and the vendor states that cem and bow ties have been recommended. My problem is I have literally no idea what sort of money these sorts of repairs cost. Are you able to give ball park figures?